Joshua Jacob Hatten (Ho Wa?te – Good Voice) was born on October 3, 1996, in Rapid City, South Dakota to Pete and Lisa Hatten. As a young boy, he enjoyed playing videogames, playing basketball, fishing and hunting, and singing his little heart out. He was adventurous, brave, laidback, witty, goofy, and knew just what to say to make you smile and laugh. He had no fear and was always so excited to sing or pray in front of the whole congregations. When he prayed, he talked to God as if he knew Him on a close, personal level all his life.

He started walking at 9 months old and from that point, he was on the go. He was mischievous and curious. Trying to discipline him was a challenge. When he was “sentenced” to couch time, he would simply take a nap and wake up more energized for mischief. He kept the whole family on their toes. His cute, little face and infectious smile made it easy for him to manipulate the whole family especially his Aunty Sheryl. Despite having teeth concerns and being told he couldn’t have his bottle, when left in her care, she caved. When it was time to be picked up, he sold her out immediately. But still there was no way to be upset. He was just too cute.

School work was not a challenge for him. He was very intelligent. His only challenge was sitting still. He attended South Canyon Elementary in Rapid City, South Dakota where in 2nd grade was finally diagnosed with ADD. He was blessed with a team of teachers who did all they could to ensure Joshua received the best education plan and support. He then went onto West Middle School then attended Stevens High School and Rapid City High School. He graduated in 2016 with his diploma from Stevens High School.

After school was finished the world was his. His strongest interest was fixing vehicles. He attempted to teach himself how to work on vehicles but would occasionally have to find his dad, sit there quietly and stare at him until his dad asked him if he needed help. Together they would do the repairs as his dad taught and Joshua learned.

He struggled with addiction and mental illness, but this did not stop him from making sure all of those who God put in his path felt loved. He was always the first to make sure his friends and family were taken care of and that they knew they were always on his mind and heart. He would drop anything to make sure he was there when they needed him. He would never pass by someone stranded on the side of the road and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for those around him – stranger, family, or friend. He saw people for their heart, and not the situation or addiction that may have engulfed them.

Despite the enemy’s attempts to thwart God’s purpose for Joshua’s life, he was no match for Joshua’s stubborn, determined spirit to spread God’s Love. As a family we would attempt to bring him to church with us every Sunday, we didn’t understand his lifestyle and thought we could save him. Little did we know, he was out there being the church, doing God’s work in his own way, and saving so many others.

His worldly presence will truly be missed, but he is alive in the love he had shown all of those around him. We ask that you continue showing that love, love like Jesus does…love like Josh did.

Joshua is survived by his parents, Pete and Lisa Hatten; his siblings, Arlen Hatten, Larissa Hatten, Elijah Hatten, Isaiah Hatten, and Nevaeh Hatten; his nieces, Kaylynn Hill, Kylie Hill, and Elena Hatten; his grandmother, LaVonne Looking Elk; and numerous uncles, aunties, cousins, nieces, nephews, and one grandchild, Sebashtian “Magnus” Sheeder.

Joshua was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Peter Eli Hatten and Lynda Ducheneaux; his maternal grandfather, Rev. Simon Looking Elk; and his aunty, Jonie Ducheneaux.